24/05/2026
If "Olimba" doesn't receive major 2026 award nominations, does that mean the song wasn't impactful enough or does it expose a bigger problem in how Zambian music awards measure success?
OLIMBA (feat. Jay Rox) : The Most Underrated Song in Zambia or Just Another Motivational Record?
Three months after its release on January 28, 2026, "Olimba" by Lanzee Cooper featuring Jay Rox remains one of the most interesting conversations in Zambian music. At 3 minutes and 44 seconds long, the record arrived carrying a message of hope, resilience, and self-belief, urging listeners to keep pushing forward despite life's challenges.
The first thing that stands out about "Olimba" is its sincerity.
In an era where much of Zambia's mainstream music is fighting for TikTok trends, dance challenges, and short-term virality, "Olimba" dares to slow things down and speak directly to the listener. It isn't trying to be the loudest song in the room. Instead, it relies on message, emotion, and relatability.
Lanzee Cooper delivers one of his strongest performances to date, sounding focused and purposeful. The production is polished, uplifting, and radio-friendly without becoming predictable. Jay Rox, as expected, adds maturity and credibility, bringing the type of presence that instantly elevates a record.
The chemistry works.
The message works.
The production works.
Yet the biggest question remains:
"Why doesn't it feel like Zambia is talking about this song enough?"
That question leads us to the controversy.
If "Olimba" were released by some of Zambia's bigger commercial names, would it already be a frontrunner for Song of the Year discussions?
Many industry observers would argue yes.
This raises a debate that the Zambian music industry often avoids:
Are award nominations based purely on impact and quality, or are they still heavily influenced by popularity, industry relationships, and existing star power?
"Olimba" has the ingredients typically associated with award-worthy music:
-Strong songwriting
-Positive social message
-Quality production
-Cross-generational appeal
-A respected feature from Jay Rox
Yet it has not dominated national conversations in the same way some commercially driven records have.
Some may argue that motivation songs rarely create enough excitement to compete against club anthems and viral hits.
Others will argue the opposite:
That songs like "Olimba" are exactly what award bodies should be rewarding.
Should "Olimba" Be Nominated in the 2026 Awards Season?
Based on quality alone, there is a serious argument for consideration in categories such as:
-Best Collaboration
-Best Music Video
-Song of the Year
-Most Inspirational Song
-Best Mainstream Single
The controversy comes if nomination lists are released and "Olimba" is absent.
If less impactful records receive nominations while "Olimba" is overlooked, questions will inevitably arise about whether award bodies truly reward excellence or simply reward visibility.
That conversation may make some people uncomfortable, but it is a fair discussion.
"Olimba" is not just another motivational song.
It is one of the strongest examples of purpose-driven Zambian music released in 2026 so far. Three months after release, its message remains relevant, its production remains fresh, and its replay value remains high.
The real controversy is not whether the song is good.
The real controversy is whether Zambia's award systems will recognize it.
Because if a record like "Olimba" cannot secure serious award consideration, then perhaps the conversation should shift from "Which songs deserve nominations?" to "What exactly are our awards rewarding?"
My Rating: 8.5/10
Jae Thee